"We were urgently looking for an English-speaking doctor in Addis Ababa - a fellow expat then gave us a recommendation via InterNations."

Maria Borges

"Expat living here in Ethiopia is hard sometimes, particularly as a woman. The introduction to InterNations made my life a lot easier."

Our Community of Expatriates in Addis Ababa Welcomes You!

Selam, and welcome to the InterNations expat community for those moving to and living in Addis Ababa! Whether you're already an Addis Ababa expat or you're set to move to the city, our members are here to help you settle in. As Ethiopia offers a pace of life very different to many western countries, it's likely you'll have a few questions for our members. These may include "is the healthcare reliable?" and "what is there to do in one's leisure time?". Our members will soon tell you where to find the best hospitals and how to prevent malaria, and they may even advise you on the local Merkato, which is among the biggest open-air markets in Africa and a must-visit for those seeking out low-cost goods and a chance to haggle.

With InterNations, you never stand alone. Whether you move to another city or go on a business trip
somewhere — our communities are there to make you feel at home wherever you are in the world. Feel free to
also check out our other vibrant InterNations Communities like the ones in
Dubai or
Singapore.

Our Global Partners

Find More Information in Our Addis Ababa Expat Guides

Addis Ababa is the largest city in Ethiopia and the center for many of the nation's political and economic headquarters. Most foreigners who plan to visit or even move to Ethiopia need a visa to enter the country, though, so get informed about visa regulations and more with this guide.

The local pace of life and pleasant climate are well suited to families and professionals, and the stunning scenery and vibrant culture make Addis Ababa a great place for expats to live. In this article, we take a closer look at the local culture, as well as education and healthcare in Addis Ababa.

Thriving foreign investment makes Addis Ababa one of the most important commercial hubs in Africa, with expats typically working in Addis Ababa’s industry and technology sectors. Read on for more info on the local economy, job hunting, and work permits for Ethiopia.

Exchange Tips about living in Addis Ababa

Get trustworthy advice and local insights from fellow members in our Addis Ababa expat forums.

Start Your New Life as an Expat in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa offers expats a blend of ancient-world architecture, bustling markets, and African living. While life in Ethiopia's capital city may be hard to adjust to for many, our InterNations members are here to make it easier. Nearby there are also various national parks where you can escape from the city's chaotic nature, including Simien Mountains National Park.
When you begin to explore Addis Ababa, you'll soon find there are plenty of opportunities for expats to enjoy themselves. Abucci offers a huge variety of Italian dishes, Yod Abyssinia is an excellent restaurant for those seeking traditional Ethiopian food, and Vine is a must for those looking for a fine dining experience. Much like other African cities, the airport neighborhood is one of the safest available. Alternatives include Bole, which is an excellent choice for those with young children.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities across the
globe. Get to know fellow internationals in your city, before you're moving, or when traveling somewhere
and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat
friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the
world. Whether they live in
Riyadh or
Hong Kong,
InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

The Social Network for Expatriates in Addis Ababa

At InterNations, we offer access to a community not only for expatriates in Addis Ababa, but across the globe. With the help of our knowledgeable members as well as dedicated articles on culture shock, working abroad, etc., you can make your transition easier. Whether you want to know more about visas, vaccinations, or finding domestic help, our Addis Ababa Community is more than happy to help. As they have experienced the process of moving to Ethiopia themselves, they can offer advice based on first-hand experience. Once you have the lay of the land on practical issues, you can look into attending the events organized through InterNations. As well as monthly get-togethers in Addis Ababa, our members organize their own activities, from hikes to Amharic lessons that will ensure you're versed in the local dialect.